Patmos - Patmos Highlights

This varied tour is perfect for those who want just a little bit more.

The tour visits the Cave of the Apocalypse home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the persecution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

On leaving the Cave we drive to the old village of Chora, high on the hilltop where one will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking panoramic view over the island and discover the stunning architecture of houses dating from the fifteen to eighteen hundreds.

Chora, the islands capital, houses the 11th century Monastery of St. John the Theologian. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulou and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous Icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

From the Monastery we walk through the winding cobbled streets of Chora to the house of Simandiris. Here we will have the unique experience of seeing the interior of a traditional Patmian house along with antique furniture, embroidery, and paintings collected over 8 generations of the Simandiris family members.

Just around the corner is the tiny Convent of Zoodoho Pigis (The spring of Life) built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel where we discover an array of recently restored 17th century frescos along with a beautiful carved icon wall. On the other is a small gift shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.